Japan enjoys flower festivals.
So much so that it’s almost impossible to get through a season without stumbling upon one flower festival or another. This was back in June (can we just pause the calendar for a minute? time flies!), when my sisters and I got together in Ibaraki, and because this Ayame Festival is apparently pretty famous in these parts, we decided to stop by.
The festival features Ayame, a type of Japanese Iris. A sign said that there were over 500 types of iris growing here. I had no idea there were so many types! We saw a variety of purple and yellow iris, all very delicate and beautiful. I liked how the park had many walkways so you could really see the iris up close.
There is a river the flows along the flower park and you could take a ride up the river in a boat, where someone rows for you old-school style. The park also has a very unique bridge that gives you a great view from above and is picturesque from bellow.
Here are some photos:
Did you go to any flower festivals this year? Which are your favorites?
SUIGO ITAKO AYAME FESTIVAL (水郷潮来あやめまつり)
Suigo Itako Ayame Park, 1-5 Itako-shi Ibaraki JAPAN
茨城県潮来市あやめ1-5 水郷潮来あやめ園
TEL: 0299-63-1187
Annual Festival: Mid-May to late-June
Kaori Square Feet 
all these flowers are gorgeous! 🙂
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One of a kind! Beautiful photos! I thought irises only bloom in summer. I've never been to Ibaraki Pref. but if ever I find myself exploring that region, will might as well visit the famous Hitachi Seaside Park.
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I was surprised to see so many different types! 🙂
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Ada, thank you for your comment! You are absolutely right, irises only bloom in summer. More specifically mid-May to late-June for these irises. I'm just really REALLY late in posting these photos 🙂
I actually have photos from Hitachi Seaside Park in my draft box, too! It's definitely worth visiting, hope you get a chance to go!
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